TNAG-0962-FCO40-1181-Possible-new-airport-for-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 59

G.F. 326

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13.

Unless the political arguments become

much more convincing, the minimum Hong Kong

would require in any agreement with China for a

new airport to be built there for use by

Hong Kong would be :

(a) no limitations to access;

(b)

HMG to enjoy no less in air traffic

rights than if the airport were in

(c)

(a)

Hong Kong;

the airport should have the

characteristics summarised in

paragraph 4 above;

the agreement to be concluded by 1983

and the airport to be ready by 1990.

Conclusion

14.

As the possibility of an outcome

satisfying the requirements summarised in the

preceding paragraph is remote, it is proposed

to continue with the planning for the construction

of Hong Kong's replacement airport at Chek Lap Kok.

But as a sound political gesture and as some

understanding with China about the future would

be necessary to raise the finance for it, at some

point we must raise various practical issues

involved in building a replacement airport at

Chek Lap Kok with the Chinese. We would also put

out tentative feelers to see whether China might

be interested in participating in the financing

CONFIDENTIAL ##